Name: Simi Location (City, State, Country): Melbourne, AustraliaGender: FemaleAge: 25New Year’s Resolution Goal: Bigger, Stronger, Fitter, Faster!Start Date: It’s already begunDesired Achievement Date: As long as it takesPast workout History: Training for almost 2 years, solidly for about 1 yearBiggest Obstacles: Gaining lean mass, learning to eat properly to support my trainingFavorite Foods: Vega protein mousse (just add a little chilled water to Vega protein powder and beat until thick) seitan, green vegies, dark chocolateFavorite Exercises: Free weightsCurrent training frequency: 5-6 times a week (except lately have only been doing 2-3 easy sessions to try and get my body to focus on fighting my chest infection.)Any injuries or info your mentor should have: Not really, I have a history of bad knees but it hasn’t bothered me for a while.

I started training in March 2010 when my health hit an extreme low. I was underweight, partied too much, and didn't know how it eat properly or look after my body. I was stressed, anxious, depressed. Long story short, things in my life started to improve, and I realized how much my physical health was letting me down. I made a commitment to myself to make my body the best it could be, and along the way I felt not only my body strengthening, but my mind and spirit along with it. I have since put on about 10kg of lean mass, and hope to keep increasing through 2012. I was lucky enough to befriend the owner of my gym who continues to mentor me though my health and fitness goals. Without him I would not be where I am today, and I owe him my health and sanity! I have been vegetarian since I was 13 (the age my mum let me make the choice!) and have never looked back. I became vegan a few years later, but when I started my weight training I began using Whey Protein powders. I had no idea of the cruelty that is still present in the dairy industry, and upon being made aware of this, I made the commitment to live life on a completely plant based diet once again, and swapped the WPI for plant based protein. After reading Robert's book, I was so inspired to one day "make it" in the fitness world as a vegan, and to prove that you don't need animal products to build amazing muscles! I realized that it wasn't "impossible" to be a vegan in the world of bodybuilding, just that not many people are actually doing it... yet! Thank makes me feel pretty special too. Robert and everyone else involved in this website and forum have created such an amazing, inspiring, informative and supportive environment for like-minded people, and I cannot express how thankful I am that I found this place!

Stay tuned for updates!

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!I managed to get down the the gym today for a very easy arm session. Still being careful with myself, as I am struggling with coughing fits and difficulty breathing due to bronchitis. I took long breaks between sets so as not to puff myself out and aggravate my coughing even more. I also went a bit lighter than usual.

Seated tricep press1x15 - 10kg3x12 - 12kg

Tricep push down4x12 - 10kg1x15 - 5kg dropset

Tricep overhead extension1x15 - 10kg3x12 - 15kg

Cable one arm tricep extension1x15 - 5kg3x12 - 7kg

Barbell curls17.5kgs - I started coughing a lot at this point, so my reps and sets were really inconsistent as I had to keep stopping to catch my breath

Dumbbell bicep curls4x10 - 7kgs

Incline dumbbell curls2x12 - 6kg2x10 - 7kg

I can't wait till my cough settles and I can train properly again, I feel like I'm just getting by on the bare minimum lately

I did however drop in to see my partner's niece for her 5th birthday... and for the record, anyone not wanting to sign up for a gym membership, try this:Combine one 5 year old birthday girl with her 7 year old sister, mix in too much sugar, excitement, and imagination, and try to keep up! It was non stop chasey, piggy backs, twirling and wrestling for about 2 hours straight, you don't need a gym after that!

However, today still technically counts as a rest day BIG LEG SESSION TOMORROW!

I tried a few variations today. A friend of mine has swapped going heavy to doing high reps, drop sets and reverse drop sets, with really good results. I gave it a shot on a few things last time I trained legs and even though the weights were low, the burn was intense! So I gave it another go today. I'm also finding squats very frustrating at the moment, I can't seem to go very heavy on them. So I gave myself a break and did hack squats instead.

On a positive note, the cough is almost gone! Glad I can breath a little easier while training now

I wanted to individually thank Lyndsay Braswell for all the help, support and encouragement she has been giving me through email for Vegan Bodybuilding’s “New Year, New You Challenge”.

I really look up to her, she is a perfect example that it IS possible to be a vegan AND successful in the fitness, figure and bodybuilding world. I know there are plenty of vegan athletes out there, but I don’t know of any personally, and its so awesome to be able to contact Lyndsay with questions and concerns.

She is dedicating and donating her own personal time to help out participants in the challenge, free of charge, and I really appreciate what she is doing not only for me, but everyone else she is mentoring and all the people she inspires, motivates and helps to achieve their goals.

I know I know... EVERYONE trains arms on Friday! Gotta get that pump before you head out to the clubs, brah! Haha, unintentional coincidence I swear! I'm not into clubbing, unless it's the caveman kind and involving someone I don't like

Anyway, had a good session, tried mixing in some dropsets and a superset to really get a good burn

Not sure dude, they have rice protein isolate, and recently started supplying pea protein too, but I've never tried them, only their eaa's. Also, their rice and pea protein powders are unflavoured (which may or may not suit what you are after)Is there a particular reason you wanted soy? I've tried a fair few different brands of pea, rice, and blended protein powders, and I'd gladly give you my opinion/feedback on them if you want But I don't use soy

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